WENGER IS LEAVING!!!

[Cripps]

BREAKING Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after almost 22 years at the club - won 3 PL titles & a record 7 FA Cups. Live on @bbc5live & @BBCNews fro outside Emirates Stadium immediately #AFC https://t.co/fXjJcz4sU4

Arsenal FC confirmed:

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987252249280774144?s=19

:patrice: :patrice: :patrice:

[Bumble]

wow I do remember saying months ago I think this will be his last season but as the weeks went by I started to doubt myself.

[Thierrymon]

This is great news. Now we can begin to appreciate what a manager he has been for us in the past and hopefully get the fans all together again.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Two pumps and a squirt!

[selassie]

:dance::dance::dance:

[Letters]

Wenger :bow:

Now go out with the EL kthxpls

[Thierrymon]

So what's Owen Coyle up to these days?

[Gooner23]

Fantastic news, did not think the club would have the balls to make this decison. Glad it's been announced now, gives the players extra motivation for the EL and also chance to get a manager in place as soon as he leaves.

[Power n Glory]

Yessssss!

[Letters]

Where are NQ and Zim, have they wanked themselves into comas? :lol:

[Cripps]

Now let's win the Europa :bow:

[AFC Leveller]

Whatttttttt this is insane

[KSE Comedy Club]

You know what, despite how much of a twat he has been, now he has announced it early so we know the end is coming - I will actually say, thanks for everything Arsene, and respectfully wave him goodbye.

Fair play to the club for sorting this out finally.

Now we can get behind the team and win that fucking EL to see him off!!!

COYG!!!!!!

[Munchies]

holy fucking shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cripps]

I've waited 5 years for that yellow rolling bar to finally say it

:patrice:

[Özim]

YES, GET IN!!!!

At last he's leaving, finally, finally we can look forward to football again, have hope again and be excited about matches!!

Great day in the history of Arsenal football club! :clap::clap::clap::clap::yippee::yippee::yippee:

[Marc Overmars]

Wow! Finally. :dance:

Even more reason to hope we win the EL now. It would be fantastic for him if he can leave us having won his first European honour.

[Cripps]

YES, GET IN!!!!

At last he's leaving, finally, finally we can look forward to football again, have hope again and be excited about matches!!

Great day in the history of Arsenal football club! :clap::clap::clap::clap::yippee::yippee::yippee:

Zim:bow:

The original leader of the Wenger out movement :bow:

He who stands tall shall win in the end. MaxZIMus:bow:

[Özim]

Let's win the Europa now!!

Despite my feelings about his management in the last decade or so, I'll still feel some sadness at the end of an era, if only he had done this before, no matter it's done now and he can now have a good sendoff for his years of service, even if I haven't agreed or rated him in recent times.

[Bumble]

Now he can win the EL and end on a true high.

[Gooner23]

Absolutely, I have no doubt he will have full support of the fans over the next few weeks.

[Cripps]

Wenger made the decision this week, under pressure from the board who told him they wanted him out this summer despite the year remaining on his contract. Rather than be fired, Wenger said he preferred to go out on his own terms. https://t.co/nZ52ZS7Plc

[Marc Overmars]

I'm glad the board grew a pair in the end.

Next season would have been rancid with all the talk being about his final year.

[Cripps]

Ivan :bow:

Josh Kroenke :bow:

[GP]

Ivan Gazidis will hold a press conference at the Emirates Stadium at 5pm

[Goonermerree]

I just can't believe it, I did feel this was his last year though. Let's win the EL now, CL footie next year for a new manager to get off to a good start.

[Marc Overmars]

Ivan :bow:

Josh Kroenke :bow:

Yep.

Now we can say without a doubt the seeds were planted with Sven and Raul coming in. It was a complete restructure.

Josh Kroenke coming in to review what had been going on is probably why he has been asked to step down.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Yes fantastic news! Now that we know it's happening let's ALL (including you NQ, Cripps & Zim) support him and get behind the team for the remainder of the season!

[Goonermerree]

Yes fantastic news! Now that we know it's happening let's ALL (including you NQ, Cripps & Zim) support him and get behind the team for the remainder of the season!

Absolutely!!

[Cripps]

Where is NQ :haha:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Got to say it's fantastic timing.

Players, managers are on notice now and there's clarity for next season. And it should hopefully get the current players pumped up for the remaining few games (especially the Europa ties) in order to send him out on a high!

[Ralpheroo72]

As bad as it has been since 2006, he now deserves a wonderful send off, and the unconditional backing of the fans.

[Marc Overmars]

Also, well done to the fans who voted with their feet.

There's no doubt in my mind the empty seats hurt the board regardless of them getting their money or not. Shit like that can severely damage a reputation and I'm sure sponsors don't want to be associated with such poison.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

As bad as it has been since 2006, he now deserves a wonderful send off, and the unconditional backing of the fans.

:gp:

This so much.

No more booing now and ideally let's get the stadium filled. Give him a rousing reception off.

[Power n Glory]

I knew Ivan was plotting his downfall. :lol: You heard it here first.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I knew Ivan was plotting his downfall. :lol: You heard it here first.

I knew it was going to happen as soon as Raul & Sven were brought in.

By the way you can finally change your avatar now!

[Cripps]

Luis Enrique is one of the managers that has made informal contact with Arsenal. Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta are also under consideration. [@eaamalyon] #afc https://t.co/WkPP7wlumt

[A Gunner]

NQ was in the appreciation thread!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Tuchel is the bookmakers favourite but I've read elsewhere that PSG were a lock for him. Who knows what happens now.

[Marc Overmars]

Now I'm not convinced we'll win the EL.

His final troll to us all will be to step down and have us agonisingly fall short of a first European honour. :lol:

[KSE Comedy Club]

NQ is so excited he can't type - his hands are still shaking! :lol:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Despite wanting this moment for years not and praying it happened I feel so underprepared to deal with it now. :lol::lol:

[Marc Overmars]

The ticket website has crashed. :haha:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Reading testimonies from Arsenal fans from broken homes saying that Wenger was the only stable male father figure in their life. :lol::lol:


Good to hear about the tickets getting sold out now. lol at the people that rejected a season ticket and not stand to lose them though tbf I can't blame them.

[Cripps]

:patrice:

[Power n Glory]

I knew it was going to happen as soon as Raul & Sven were brought in.

By the way you can finally change your avatar now!

Mods - Please change me back to Power n Glory!

[Marc Overmars]

AFTV. :rose:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

If Deschamps screws up with France this summer I can easily see him popping up with at the French National Team. Good way to spend out his retirement years.

[Mac76]

Now let's win the Europa :bow:

exactly we can get on and celebrate what he's done and take that F*****g EL cup as ours

roll on the future :-)

[Letters]

Where is NQ :haha:

Getting heroically drunk, I imagine.

[Letters]

Mods - Please change me back to Power n Glory!

:lol: Done.

You'll always be PnG to me :hug:

[Niall_Quinn]

Just hearing this.

This is as good as it could have possibly been - the absolute perfect timing. Now we can all get behind the club and even the manager for the remainder of the season.

It feels like we live in a different world today. Like a whole world of possibilities exist that couldn't possibly exist before.

[AFC Leveller]

⚽ Premier League wins:

✅ Arsene Wenger: 473
❌ Tottenham: 420

�� @oilysailor

[Letters]

https://i.redd.it/3f6pk0ltfooy.png

[Cripps]

:lol: Done.

You'll always be PnG to me :hug:

Can you change me back to Cripps:ninja:

[Niall_Quinn]

W E ' R E

B A C K !

[Cripps]

What will happen to goonersweb? Will we all get along now? :unsure:

[Niall_Quinn]

What will happen to goonersweb? Will we all get along now? :unsure:

No. Not until Letters admits he's a fascist.

[Cripps]

Twitter:

Am told Wenger informed the players in a dressing-room meeting at Colney at 9.45am. He wanted the players to know first before the announcement was made public.

[Niall_Quinn]

This is bizarre.

This feels like the most significant thing happening in the world today. I know it certainly isn't, in the grand scale of things. But it feels that way. It feels like the most significant thing that has happened in years.

[Cripps]

W E ' R E

B A C K !

:patrice:

[Cripps]

This is bizarre.

This feels like the most significant thing happening in the world today. I know it certainly isn't, in the grand scale of things. But it feels that way. It feels like the most significant thing that has happened in years.

The nightmare is OVER !

[Power n Glory]

:lol: Done.

You'll always be PnG to me :hug:

:good:

[Cripps]

Mertesacker on Wenger: "We have just been informed basically. It is quite emotional. He has been so supportive to me. One major reason why I’m here is because of him. It’s been emotional and there will be time to digest it but it is a sad feeling right now." https://t.co/yAAfzgPv91

Bet Koscielny was crying the sensitive soul :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Mertesacker on Wenger: "We have just been informed basically. It is quite emotional. He has been so supportive to me. One major reason why I’m here is because of him. It’s been emotional and there will be time to digest it but it is a sad feeling right now." https://t.co/yAAfzgPv91

Bet Koscielny was crying the sensitive soul :lol:

In reality they are all sneaking out the back to do cartwheels.

Perez, Campbell and Hleb are on the phone trying to book flights back.

Bould is bleary-eyed, waking up, asking who the fuck drugged him.

[Letters]

Has anyone checked on Ty :unsure:

[Mac76]

https://i.redd.it/3f6pk0ltfooy.png

i love that :-)

[dostoy]

FINALLY.

FINALLY.

FINAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

OMG

OMG

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

I cannot believe it, I thought it would be summer 2019 when he left.

He was a great manager more than 15 years ago, but about 15 years ago he changed, I think it was when the Russian came to Chelsea, and has got worse and worse and worse and worse and worse and then even worse.

The biggest thing is, Arsenal's season will not be predictable any more.

I want an established manager to succeed him, like Conte, Jardim, Allegri or Ancelotti.

I will not feel sad when Wenger leaves because he has done a terrible job for far too many years.

[Mac76]

This is bizarre.

This feels like the most significant thing happening in the world today. I know it certainly isn't, in the grand scale of things. But it feels that way. It feels like the most significant thing that has happened in years.

That's because most of what happens in the the world will always be s**t - but Arsenal can get better... :-)

[Mac76]

The ticket website has crashed. :haha:

ikr - everyone wants to be there for the last home games he's in charge - i;ve been trying myself

thank god i got an atletico ticket at least...

[Globalgunner]

Oh Happy Days!

[Niall_Quinn]

Has anyone checked on Ty :unsure:

He's moving to Paris I think.

[KSE Comedy Club]

SHIT!!!

Can we all just check that this isnt some elaborate April fool's joke?!? :upset:

[Globalgunner]

I hope if we win the EL. Wenger wont change his mind. Ivan needs to get him to sign the exit note.

[Bumble]

Arent people a bit concerned though that the forum is either going to get too positive and we wont have anything to moan about!!

[LDG]

:faint:

[Niall_Quinn]

Arent people a bit concerned though that the forum is either going to get too positive and we wont have anything to moan about!!

The new guy gets one game. If he fucks it up he's toast.

[Niall_Quinn]

First man on the moon.
Berlin Wall.
9/11
Wenger Leaving

[Marc Overmars]

Arent people a bit concerned though that the forum is either going to get too positive and we wont have anything to moan about!!

I have no doubt there will be cretinous fans next season who will use any fuck up by the new manager as ammo to bring up the supposed merits of the job Wenger was doing.

[Power n Glory]

I have no doubt there will be cretinous fans next season who will use any fuck up by the new manager as ammo to bring up the supposed merits of the job Wenger was doing.

I think we may get back to the old days of just looking at individual player performances. The new manager will most likely get a clean slate

[Cripps]

FINALLY.

FINALLY.

FINAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

OMG

OMG

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

I cannot believe it, I thought it would be summer 2019 when he left.

He was a great manager more than 15 years ago, but about 15 years ago he changed, I think it was when the Russian came to Chelsea, and has got worse and worse and worse and worse and worse and then even worse.

The biggest thing is, Arsenal's season will not be predictable any more.

I want an established manager to succeed him, like Conte, Jardim, Allegri or Ancelotti.

I will not feel sad when Wenger leaves because he has done a terrible job for far too many years.

:lol:

[Bumble]

First man on the moon.
Berlin Wall.
9/11
Wenger Leaving

today is hitlers birthday as well.

[Niall_Quinn]

I have no doubt there will be cretinous fans next season who will use any fuck up by the new manager as ammo to bring up the supposed merits of the job Wenger was doing.

Ty doesn't post here.

Critical mass was reached - most probably thanks to those fans who made the empty seats in the stadium so obvious. Almost everyone will flip now. New Arsenal. A few will hang on but it'll be a small number. Insignificant.

Complaint can be normalised now. If the manager is doing a bad job people can say he is doing a bad job without having to refer back 2 decades to when he was doing a good job. And he can be sacked without all those barricades in place to protect him. The new guy is going to have to deliver, just as it is with any other club.

It'll take a while for this normality to sink in.

We're like kidnap victims, released into sunshine. Everything is strange for a while. And I'll probably have dreams that Wenger has signed a new contract. And then I'll wake up and everything will be okay.

[Marc Overmars]

I think we may get back to the old days of just looking at individual player performances. The new manager will most likely get a clean slate

You'd hope so but Arsenal have such a warped fanbase it's hard to be sure.

[Globalgunner]

Everything was building up to an unstoppable crescendo. The Times article Letters posted was probably the last straw that broke the backbone. When the whole world is starting to say you are shit. Even blind men start to see the light. That and the fans that voted with their feet.

Even so I expected Arsene to tough it out till next season. He was still making transfer noises up til yesterday

[Cripps]

John Cross wants Brendan Rodgers :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Ty doesn't post here.

Critical mass was reached - most probably thanks to those fans who made the empty seats in the stadium so obvious. Almost everyone will flip now. New Arsenal. A few will hang on but it'll be a small number. Insignificant.

Complaint can be normalised now. If the manager is doing a bad job people can say he is doing a bad job without having to refer back 2 decades to when he was doing a good job. And he can be sacked without all those barricades in place to protect him. The new guy is going to have to deliver, just as it is with any other club.

It'll take a while for this normality to sink in.

We're like kidnap victims, released into sunshine. Everything is strange for a while. And I'll probably have dreams that Wenger has signed a new contract. And then I'll wake up and everything will be okay.

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it. :patrice:

[Niall_Quinn]

John Cross wants Brendan Rodgers :lol:

He can have him. Provided the bloke comes nowhere near AFC.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

today is hitlers birthday as well.

Is it!? I think it's my Dad's too! That explains a fair bit...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

At least this should ensure our match against Huddersfield is televised.

[Cripps]

Wonder how Ramsey and Bellerin took the news in that meeting :lol:

Show sadness but deep down delighted :lol:

[Cripps]

Bellerin:

Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man. The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss ❤ https://t.co/EP26M6TP3W

:lol:

[selassie]

Mertesacker on Wenger: "We have just been informed basically. It is quite emotional. He has been so supportive to me. One major reason why I’m here is because of him. It’s been emotional and there will be time to digest it but it is a sad feeling right now." https://t.co/yAAfzgPv91

Bet Koscielny was crying the sensitive soul :lol:

:lol:

[selassie]

He's moving to Paris I think.

:lol:

[selassie]

The ticket website has crashed. :haha:

Emirates will be a sell out now until the end of the season :haha:

It's party time! :dance:

[selassie]

I wonder if Lacazette will post any positive comments on social media about Wenger? :haha:

[Globalgunner]

I wonder if Lacazette will post any positive comments on social media about Wenger? :haha:

Like they say. If you cant say something nice. Best say nothing.

[Özim]

I have no doubt there will be cretinous fans next season who will use any fuck up by the new manager as ammo to bring up the supposed merits of the job Wenger was doing.

Pretty much, the thing is the new manager will need time, it's a big job in terms of everything that needs changing, whatever happens next Wenger wasn't the man to take us forward and I'll never look back with regret, this club has been managed by one man for 22 years, he's been involved in everything so anyone that comes in after him has a major jobs stamping his mark and changing things, but at least now there's hope again.

[Globalgunner]

Flags at half mast at all other PL clubs this weekend. No more easy points off the Arsenal.

[Cripps]

There's definetly structural damage that needs fixing. It might be a couple of years of rebuilding but at least it's not Wenger :dance:

[Özim]

Excited to see what the manager can do with this bunch, hopefully a mass clearout in the defence and midfield and a return to counter attacking.

Looking forward to some fresh faces and no more of the nonsense and resistance regarding making transfers, all really exciting, we can go into big competitions thinking we could win it at last! :dancingman:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

A lot hinges on who comes in really....

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Emirates will be a sell out now until the end of the season :haha:

It's party time! :dance:

Annoyingly so yes (for me)!

[selassie]

Pretty much, the thing is the new manager will need time, it's a big job in terms of everything that needs changing, whatever happens next Wenger wasn't the man to take us forward and I'll never look back with regret, this club has been managed by one man for 22 years, he's been involved in everything so anyone that comes in after him has a major jobs stamping his mark and changing things, but at least now there's hope again.

:gp:

[Goonermerree]

A new manager might kick some arse and not put up with prima donnas being tired. Ozil might have to play more matches. A new manager might get us playing.

[dostoy]

I hope the people that wanted him out are celebrating and not getting caught up in the nostalgic side to all this.

A lot of people have waited far too many years for this moment and should be very very happy.

I am partly still in shock and cannot believe it has really happened, but I am very happy it has.

[Goonermerree]

I hope the people that wanted him out are celebrating and not getting caught up in the nostalgic side to all this.

A lot of people have waited far too many years for this moment and should be very very happy.

I am partly still in shock and cannot believe it has really happened, but I am very happy it has.

I am happy, but tinged with a bit of sadness for him that he didn't leave earlier, perhaps after an FA cup win.

[Özim]

I'm also very happpy he's going, yes he had successes but the reality is the major successes were many, many years ago, those are just a distant memory now.

He should have left in 2005, he would have left as a great then, sadly he tarnished his legacy since then, so for me it's a happy day he's gone.

[A Gunner]

I'm also very happpy he's going, yes he had successes but the reality is the major successes were many, many years ago, those are just a distant memory now.

He should have left in 2005, he would have left as a great then, sadly he tarnished his legacy since then, so for me it's a happy day he's gone.

As they said in Batman, "You Either Die A Hero, Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain"

[Cripps]

The timing is interesting. The board apparently let him know they don't want him to remain next season which prompted Wenger to throw in the towel in fear of being sacked. Why have the board done that now? Why at this precise stage? There's still a few games left. Is it because a manager they have their eye on is in talks elsewhere and they are scared of missing out? In that case, who could that be? Tuchel, Enrique and Allegri are the obvious names that spring to mind (although Tuchel is a no go tbh).

[selassie]

A lot hinges on who comes in really....

It does but we were in far worse shape when Wenger came IMO. There is definitely a cultural problem at the club but things have been changing higher up in the past few years.

Call me nostalgic if you want but we’re most definitely a sleeping giant. With the right appointment and some solid recruitment in the right areas we will be back up there fighting for top 4.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

We were in worse shape....very true Selassie....but we then appointed a genius. Not sure the next manager will be a genius but I'm hopeful and we won't need a genius to move forward.

[Niall_Quinn]

The timing is interesting. The board apparently let him know they don't want him to remain next season which prompted Wenger to throw in the towel in fear of being sacked. Why have the board done that now? Why at this precise stage? There's still a few games left. Is it because a manager they have their eye on is in talks elsewhere and they are scared of missing out? In that case, who could that be? Tuchel, Enrique and Allegri are the obvious names that spring to mind (although Tuchel is a no go tbh).

Because it clears the air and doesn't leave doubt lingering through to the end of the season and the summer. That would have made it all about Wenger again. Now they can make it all about the new guy coming in.

I said the other day, they have to sack him now, today. That's the smart move. I can't believe they actually did it. Otherwise a EL win could be used to con Stan into a new contract. The board has removed that possibility. They have cut off the chance of an end run of the same kind Wenger pulled last time.

[Niall_Quinn]

I am happy, but tinged with a bit of sadness for him that he didn't leave earlier, perhaps after an FA cup win.

Well now he has one final chance to leave on the high of a EL win. He's damn fortunate to have the chance considering all the others he's passed up. He has to dig out everything he has left and go for it. No more fear. Take advice. Do some homework. Make some concessions.

[Goonermerree]

Well now he has one final chance to leave on the high of a EL win. He's damn fortunate to have the chance considering all the others he's passed up. He has to dig out everything he has left and go for it. No more fear. Take advice. Do some homework. Make some concessions.

I think most people in football will be wishing for him to win the EL now. (Not Tottnum or other teams still left in EL)

[Globalgunner]

The pressure must have been intense. as we all know. "Wenger respects contracts". I am sure he would on his own have stuck it out till the bitter end even through an absolutely poisonous atmosphere next year. He must have been totally blanked by Kroenke Snr this time.

Josh the knife:bow::bow:

[Cripps]

Because it clears the air and doesn't leave doubt lingering through to the end of the season and the summer. That would have made it all about Wenger again. Now they can make it all about the new guy coming in.

I said the other day, they have to sack him now, today. That's the smart move. I can't believe they actually did it. Otherwise a EL win could be used to con Stan into a new contract. The board has removed that possibility. They have cut off the chance of an end run of the same kind Wenger pulled last time.

We're still quite a way out from the end of the season. Fergie announced it on 8th May. Today is the 20th April. The board seem to have stepped it up quite early, why? We've had years of lingering doubt, what more would a few more weeks do? Maybe there's more to it.

[Marc Overmars]

The pressure must have been intense. as we all know. "Wenger respects contracts". I am sure he would on his own have stuck it out till the bitter end even through an absolutely poisonous atmosphere next year. He must have been totally blanked by Kroenke Snr this time.

Josh the knife:bow::bow:

Seems like his presence was more than just token.

Have we finally got someone competent on the board that values sporting success as much as business?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Honestly given how shit we've been, the new manager will have at least a year's good will.

As long as evidence is being made of progress I think the fans will be happy.

[Niall_Quinn]

We're still quite a way out from the end of the season. Fergie announced it on 8th May. Today is the 20th April. The board seem to have stepped it up quite early, why? We've had years of lingering doubt, what more would a few more weeks do? Maybe there's more to it.

EL semis. In the lull before the storm. The whole club will go into that united now. There will be a whole new energy to it.

I've gone from apathy to the most eager anticipation and I'm sure the same will be true of so many fans.

The timing is perfect without there having to be any more reason behind it than that. Not saying there isn't anything else going on behind the scenes, there most probably is. But what we have now is good enough.

And I think there will be a subtle change in the way the new manager is brought in too. We are not chasing a manager in the summer months now, we can stand back and watch them all chase us instead, in the full glare of the media. And I'm sure that's going to happen.

[Marc Overmars]

It’s fantastic timing, a week before our season defining game.

Imagine we got to the final and the talk was still about his future? Fuck that. Now it’s about everyone hopefully pulling together because we’ve got what we wanted. The atmosphere should be electric on Thursday. For Emirates standards of course.

I just hope the players can deal with the expectation now.

[Globalgunner]

Honestly given how shit we've been, the new manager will have at least a year's good will.

As long as evidence is being made of progress I think the fans will be happy.

From where we are now, A dozen points off the Spuds and struggling to stay ahead of Burnley. The only way is up. I cannot think of a sane manager who cannot improve on the wreckage we are now seeing. The EL means little to me. It will not cover what a shit show we have become. Besides we have not steamrollered our way to this semi-final. Being blanked at home by Pubbers and part-time carpenters is not easy to forget.

[Goonermerree]

EL semis. In the lull before the storm. The whole club will go into that united now. There will be a whole new energy to it.

I've gone from apathy to the most eager anticipation and I'm sure the same will be true of so many fans.

The timing is perfect without there having to be any more reason behind it than that. Not saying there isn't anything else going on behind the scenes, there most probably is. But what we have now is good enough.

And I think there will be a subtle change in the way the new manager is brought in too. We are not chasing a manager in the summer months now, we can stand back and watch them all chase us instead, in the full glare of the media. And I'm sure that's going to happen.

This is what I think. Everybody will be behind the team for an EL victory now.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

So is there an Ivan press conference on at 5 or not? SSN doesn't have anything on apart from Jim White bleating on?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Yes Ivan about to speak!!!

[GP]

So is there an Ivan press conference on at 5 or not? SSN doesn't have anything on apart from Jim White bleating on?

Starting now. Arsenal.com

[Marc Overmars]

Just seems like a tribute rather than anything substantial.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Yeah it's clear that they haven't found a replacement yet.

This is more a tribute and to give out some quotes.

[A Gunner]

What is the point of this freaking conference?

[Cripps]

Gazidis talking about it being his ambition and goal to build on what Wenger has achieved. Let's hope it's an Allegri/Jardim type.

[selassie]

We were in worse shape....very true Selassie....but we then appointed a genius. Not sure the next manager will be a genius but I'm hopeful and we won't need a genius to move forward.

For sure. Honestly I’m not expecting miracles with this new appointment, but I do expect a bit of solid recruitment in the right areas and our team to improve from a tactical point of view.

That’s all we can ask for right now, we just need to see some kind of tangible progress next season in terms of the team, even if it means missing out on top 4 again.

[Power n Glory]

Yeah it's clear that they haven't found a replacement yet.

This is more a tribute and to give out some quotes.

They're going to allow Wenger to have his moment in the sun. I highly doubt they'll announce a new manager whilst the season is still going. That's the right thing to do.

[Cripps]

The notable parts of that press conference:

- Gazidis talking about the shortened summer due to world cup etc and needing clarity as soon as possible. Looks like NQ was right. The board wanted this all sorted ASAP to prevent it affecting the summer and next season.
- He spoke about never being better prepared for this. He clearly knew what he was doing when appointing SAS.

He came across competent and speaks as if he knows what the club needs. Let's hope it's not an Arteta.

[Cripps]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbPhpiBWsAAPKn2.jpg








That's unlike Arsene. I would have expected him to have made a long, emotional speech when addressing the players. Seems to me he might be pissed off. Something clearly happened yesterday. One minute he was saying he wanted to give Santi a new deal and overnight he's decided to walk.

Reckon he's had a meeting with the board where they've hinted he's getting hooked and Wenger has decided to do it on his terms.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

That's unlike Arsene. I would have expected him to have made a long, emotional speech when addressing the players. Seems to me he might be pissed off. Something clearly happened yesterday. One minute he was saying he wanted to give Santi a new deal and overnight he's decided to walk.

Reckon he's had a meeting with the board where they've hinted he's getting hooked and Wenger has decided to do it on his terms.

Sounds about right. He was only talking about not signing any attacks players for next season & age discrimination in his BEin sports interview during the international break.

Gazidis & Josh have probably have had a word with him and he's decided with their consent to go out on his own terms and with his dignity in tact. Best outcome for everyone.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9jaM5uYADE


Ty's reaction :haha::haha:

Wearing his wooly hat in this heat :haha::haha:

[Cripps]

Claude has no sympathy whatsoever :haha:

[Master Splinter]

:faint:
































:faint:

[Cripps]

Sounds about right. He was only talking about not signing any attacks players for next season & age discrimination in his BEin sports interview during the international break.

Gazidis & Josh have probably have had a word with him and he's decided with their consent to go out on his own terms and with his dignity in tact. Best outcome for everyone.

I just remembered he's also breaking his contract. He takes so much pride in that. It's something he said he'd never do.

Sh*t must have really hit the fan.

[Master Splinter]

First man on the moon.
Berlin Wall.
9/11
Wenger Leaving

Pires diving and causing the the Millennium bug.

[selassie]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbPhpiBWsAAPKn2.jpg








That's unlike Arsene. I would have expected him to have made a long, emotional speech when addressing the players. Seems to me he might be pissed off. Something clearly happened yesterday. One minute he was saying he wanted to give Santi a new deal and overnight he's decided to walk.

Reckon he's had a meeting with the board where they've hinted he's getting hooked and Wenger has decided to do it on his terms.

Yep sounds like he was pushed. There is an article in The Times where they basically said the board told him to walk or they would fire him.

The appointments of the Director Of Football from Barca and the Scout / Head Of Recruitment from Dortmund were quite clearly strategic moves made by Gazidis to remove the remaining bits of power away from Wenger aside from managing the team.

I do think that the likes of Gazidis have been sounding out possible replacements all season hence all the rumours etc.

[Goonermerree]

Respect to Wenger. The media outlets are talking about nothing else but what Arsene brought to English football. It is a big deal. I wanted Wenger out, I wish he'd gone earlier, but now everybody has respect for him.

[Mac76]

Pires diving and causing the the Millennium bug.

Keown at Old S***eford

[Mac76]

Respect to Wenger. The media outlets are talking about nothing else but what Arsene brought to English football. It is a big deal. I wanted Wenger out, I wish he'd gone earlier, but now everybody has respect for him.

Yes, maybe he'll realise that's what we wanted to do all along, just a bit sooner...

[Niall_Quinn]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbPhpiBWsAAPKn2.jpg








That's unlike Arsene. I would have expected him to have made a long, emotional speech when addressing the players. Seems to me he might be pissed off. Something clearly happened yesterday. One minute he was saying he wanted to give Santi a new deal and overnight he's decided to walk.

Reckon he's had a meeting with the board where they've hinted he's getting hooked and Wenger has decided to do it on his terms.

Let's be real. Ivan tried to get Wenger out last season and Wenger got the better of him. This is Ivan's response and Wenger gave him all the ammo he needed with this bullshit season. There's no love here, just a power battle. And Wenger's had his legs chopped before he can use a possible EL win to turn the tide back in his favour. Judging by Stan's (rare) comment, I figure Wenger has twigged (or was informed) he won't get support from him this time around. Murder on the Emirates Express, they all did it. That's my wild guess.

[Niall_Quinn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9jaM5uYADE


Ty's reaction :haha::haha:

Wearing his wooly hat in this heat :haha::haha:

Robbie suggesting the new guy might run Ty over :haha:

[AFC Leveller]

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43841645

Ornstein.

[Niall_Quinn]

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43841645

Ornstein.

That reeks of propaganda sandwiched between truth for added effect.

[Niall_Quinn]

Taking the safe assumption England will have a catastrophic World Cup, I wonder will Wenger end up in that role? They've wanted him for a long time.

[Özim]

He should retire from football, like Ferguson did (at least he did at the top) he's past it, would be a disaster for him if he took another job and inevitably failed.

[Cripps]

City fans are showing their respect:

Horrible tosser who has been complicit in trying to fuck City over for years (along with his mate Gill etc). Hope he pisses off back to France and we don't have to hear his "didn't see it" bullshit ever again tbh.
http://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/wenger-leaving-arsenal-at-the-end-of-the-season.334125/page-2

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Fuck the gypos. Cunts.

We're coming for them now.

[Cripps]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/josh-kroenke-arsenal-review-details-12052486

This proved to be the kiss of death.

[AFC Leveller]

Funny how there has been no tweet or show of appreciation from spurs lol ��.

Thanks for 22 years of shitting on us, winning the league at our ground and finishing above us for 20 years straight.

[Goonermerree]

Fuck the gypos. Cunts.

We're coming for them now.

Pep won't stay there for too long, then what will they do? Get Wenger!

[Cripps]

Is this real or all a dream? :unsure:

[Coney]

Where are NQ and Zim, have they wanked themselves into comas? :lol:

Now THAT is ROFLMAO funny. :lol:

[Coney]

I went to my first Arsenal match on 6th October 1971 - I had to wait 18 years and some dire football before we won the title. In practically the same amount of time, Arsene Wenger transformed the team into something exciting to watch, won 3 titles, 7 FA Cups and came within a few minutes of the CL (not to mention building a new stadium, training facilities, etc.)

Things were indeed getting stale in the last year or two and it is time for him to move on, but this is simply because everything needs refreshing to avoid stagnating. I find a lot of the comments made elsewhere by so-called fans disgraceful and ungrateful, given what this man has done for our club. I hope that we can win the EL this season to enable him to leave on a high and leave his follower with CL football as well as the PL. Mind you, whoever takes over is taking on a big challenge to match Arsene's legacy.

I hope the stadium will be full of cheering fans when he comes out for his final few games at the Arsenal.

I thank him for everything he has done for us and wish him all the best for the future (which I suspect will be as the France manager after the WC).

[Goonermerree]

It all seems a bit surreal.

[Letters]

:gp: (that was at Coney)

[Cripps]

It all seems a bit surreal.

Agreed. I am sitting here in my garden enjoying the sunshine and keep asking myself if this is real.

After years of discussion the day has finally come.

[Coney]

Agreed. I am sitting here in my garden enjoying the sunshine and keep asking myself if this is real.

After years of discussion the day has finally come.

This is clearly some new use of the word 'discussion' I was not aware of.

[Cripps]

One of the biggest news in premier league history and Soccer Saturday start off by talking about Liverpool and Pulis :rolleyes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

When do we get his book? :popcorn:

[Globalgunner]

I have no doubt Wenger leaving was one of the reasons Ozil was persuaded to sign on. Its a pity Gazidis and co were not decisive enough to see the way clear and keep Sanchez too. I imagine a front 3 of Alexis, Auba and Laca with Ozil behind them?

[Cripps]

I have no doubt Wenger leaving was one of the reasons Ozil was persuaded to sign on.

Really? I thought that initially but the way everyone including Ozil have reacted I'm not so sure. The board + Wenger himself genuinely believed he would stay and it seemed that way until the past 72 hours where everything flip turned 180.

[Cripps]

Merse + Charlie Nicholas say Brendan Rodgers is the stand out candidate :blink:

[Goonermerree]

Merse + Charlie Nicholas say Brendan Rodgers is the stand out candidate :blink:

Nooooo

[Syn]

I went to my first Arsenal match on 6th October 1971 - I had to wait 18 years and some dire football before we won the title. In practically the same amount of time, Arsene Wenger transformed the team into something exciting to watch, won 3 titles, 7 FA Cups and came within a few minutes of the CL (not to mention building a new stadium, training facilities, etc.)

Things were indeed getting stale in the last year or two and it is time for him to move on, but this is simply because everything needs refreshing to avoid stagnating. I find a lot of the comments made elsewhere by so-called fans disgraceful and ungrateful, given what this man has done for our club. I hope that we can win the EL this season to enable him to leave on a high and leave his follower with CL football as well as the PL. Mind you, whoever takes over is taking on a big challenge to match Arsene's legacy.

I hope the stadium will be full of cheering fans when he comes out for his final few games at the Arsenal.

I thank him for everything he has done for us and wish him all the best for the future (which I suspect will be as the France manager after the WC).

:gp:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just watching Football Focus back.

Keown: David Dein brought David Wenger to the club. :haha:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Merse + Charlie Nicholas say Brendan Rodgers is the stand out candidate :blink:

Rodgers must be good friends with Merse & Nicholas. Old boys club and all.

Only way to explain this.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Charlie is still a Celtic fan too. Merse, is er, well, pissed.

[Cripps]

:lol:

[AFC Leveller]

Wenger’s biggest achievement during his 22 year reign is not the unbeaten season but it’s the fact that he hasn’t lost a single strand of hair since 1996!

[Özim]

Now THAT is ROFLMAO funny. :lol:

You're back then, thanks for coming :coffee:

[Özim]

It always makes me laugh when people talk about how he's done so much for the club, it's a two way thing, he's got a lot out of it as well, a massive salary (probably the best if not one of the best paid managers in the world), free reign to do what he wanted when he wanted in an environment where major prizes wasn't a criteria, no questions asked regardless of performance, as he said before he decides if he's done a good job or not.

IMO yes he did some great things in the early days, but if you look at what he turned the club into in the latter years it wasn't great, a club only interested in the finances, that hailed mediocrity as success, charged the highest ticket prices and were willing to blame their own fans rather than take responsibility.

I'm pretty happy he's going, it means a fresh new approach and hopefully never another scenario where one man can get away with so much and control so much without repercussions, I'd never want another Wenger scenario again, it was great in the early days but in the latter part it was one big nightmare of frustration, no hope and shock at what the club would come out and say.

Just because he's quite now doesn't mean everyone's going to forget what he did in the last 15 years or so, he played his part no question and delivered some great teams playing great football, but he also delivered some pretty mediocre stuff and helped us become a 2nd tier club football wise.

IMO he'd be better off retiring now rather than carrying on and further damaging his reputation.

Can't wait for a new manager at last, some new ideas, hopefully different football from the boring passing football we've played for the last decade, a better defence and keeper and maybe a DM at last, most importantly hope and excitement is back, something Wenger had completely destroyed for most fans.

[Marc Overmars]

I still can’t believe this is actually happening.

I mean, we knew he was nearing the end but to have it confirmed now feels like a massive weight has been lifted. I haven’t felt so positive in a long time. Can’t wait to see what the next few years brings.

[Özim]

Agreed. I am sitting here in my garden enjoying the sunshine and keep asking myself if this is real.

After years of discussion the day has finally come.

Yeah, never thought it would happen, can't quite believe it's happening at last, very exciting, hopefully no more transfer windows of frustration and we can now expect to go out and sign the players we need, it's an amazing feeling.

[Globalgunner]

How many mass suicides over at Untold Arsene. The NHS budget gone in 1 week. Hope they've been trawling the Thames for flotsam and crapsam.

[Cripps]

Yeah, never thought it would happen, can't quite believe it's happening at last, very exciting, hopefully no more transfer windows of frustration and we can now expect to go out and sign the players we need, it's an amazing feeling.

I've just gone and bought 3 different newspapers :lol:

Will be framing the back pages :lol:

[Cripps]

Apparently Wenger went for a walk alone around the training ground after informing the players. Sounds as if he's pretty pissed off, I bet he's livid at the decision and can't believe the board finally grew some balls to pull the plug :lol:

[Özim]

I've just gone and bought 3 different newspapers :lol:

Will be framing the back pages :lol:

Great idea, historic, happy memory! :lol:

[Özim]

Apparently Wenger went for a walk alone around the training ground after informing the players. Sounds as if he's pretty pissed off, I bet he's livid at the decision and can't believe the board finally grew some balls to pull the plug :lol:

Would happily have this happen 10 years ago and thus erase the last 10 years at least.

[Marc Overmars]

Wrighty thinks he was sacked.

I don’t believe that but it does seem like the board made his position untenable.

[Cripps]

I think he would have been sacked had he not walked.

The board clearly made it obvious to him that they were going to head in a different direction next season, essentially encouraging Wenger to make a decision before it being forced upon him. All the evidence points towards Wenger wanting to stay on but realising he was about to get the boot, so left on his own terms.

[Marc Overmars]

Gazidis deserves a lot of credit for this and moving the club in line with a modern day infrastructure.

It’s what we’ve wanted for years, someone at the top to finally get a hold of the situation.

[Cripps]

Yep. HCZ ( :rose: ) shot the idea down but it was pretty clear when reading between the lines. It's now Ivan's time to shine and let's hope he makes the right appointment.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5641497/Arsenal-sacked-Arsene-Wenger-paid-9m-leave.html


We paid out his contract so yeah ..... it's pretty much clear that it wasn't his decision to leave.

[Globalgunner]

Gazidis deserves a lot of credit for this and moving the club in line with a modern day infrastructure.

It’s what we’ve wanted for years, someone at the top to finally get a hold of the situation.

Kroenke Snrs phone must have been switched off all yesterday. Poor Arsene. He must have called and called and called.

[Cripps]

Thankfully Celtic lost today. If they won 5-0 and the media luv in ramped up another level it wouldn't have been good.

[Letters]

I think he would have been sacked had he not walked.

The board clearly made it obvious to him that they were going to head in a different direction next season, essentially encouraging Wenger to make a decision before it being forced upon him. All the evidence points towards Wenger wanting to stay on but realising he was about to get the boot, so left on his own terms.

That's what seems to have happened, think he's just about got away with it though and it's looking like he will be mostly remembered in a good way, especially if he goes out with one last trophy.

[Ralpheroo72]

Brendan Rodgers can do one.

[Power n Glory]

Yep. HCZ ( :rose: ) shot the idea down but it was pretty clear when reading between the lines. It's now Ivan's time to shine and let's hope he makes the right appointment.

Went back and forth with HCZ about this for ages. He owes me an apology. :lol:

Wenger was sacked but has been allowed to leave with dignity and he has a chance to leave on a high. I believe something happened after the international break where he was talking about 'age discrimination' to the press. His whole PR run with the press was defiant. He had no intention of leaving and was making it known. So I highly doubt he'd have decided to quit now, especially with all his talk on honoring his contract.

They had to pull the trigger on him. If left up to him, we'd have seen a scenario where he'd have after his contract was up during the summer giving the club hardly any time to find a replacement.

[Globalgunner]

I think the other consideration is that candidates are available now who may not be there in 12 months time. Wenger never wanted to leave. Definitely pushed.

[Cripps]

Martin Samuel and Jason Burt praising Wenger on Sunday supp:faint:

[Cripps]

Jason Burt summed Wenger up perfectly: 'he's someone that analyses other clubs perfectly, but fails to see things at his own club'

:good:

[Mac76]

Thankfully Celtic lost today. If they won 5-0 and the media luv in ramped up another level it wouldn't have been good.

Yeah i was glad about too - seriously if we can' t do better than Bodgers there' s something very wrong

[Cripps]

Bodgers:lol:

[Cripps]

Souness isn't holding back on Wenger :lol:

@MattLaw:
Tarnished legacy.
Not a patch on Fergie.
Aloof.
Lucky to have lasted so long.

Souey puts in one of his tackles on Arsene Wenger in this column. He certainly isn't joining the queue of tribute-givers and well-wishers.

https://t.co/5zioYBRdgl

[Goonermerree]

Souness isn't holding back on Wenger :lol:

@MattLaw:
Tarnished legacy.
Not a patch on Fergie.
Aloof.
Lucky to have lasted so long.

Souey puts in one of his tackles on Arsene Wenger in this column. He certainly isn't joining the queue of tribute-givers and well-wishers.

https://t.co/5zioYBRdgl

Given all Souness achieved as a manager he's well placed to say that.:rolleyes:

[KSE Comedy Club]

That’s as may be, but he’s not wrong based on the last 10 years of Wengers reign.

I have to stick to what I believed before fridays glorious announcement.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He is wrong based on what the vast majority still say about Wenger though; that's legacy.

Not that I can read the whole article though.

[Goonermerree]

That’s as may be, but he’s not wrong based on the last 10 years of Wengers reign.

I have to stick to what I believed before fridays glorious announcement.

Yeh, but he's going, he's lost the plot and should have gone earlier, that's for later, but souness can shut up.

[Mac76]

That’s as may be, but he’s not wrong based on the last 10 years of Wengers reign.

I have to stick to what I believed before fridays glorious announcement.

I think we all are, but now the decision's made we can just remember the good times

And as for what Sourness says about fergus***e, all i'd say is that when we were winning the league we did it without all of Fergus***e's cheats - fergie time, no penalties against Moan u at old s***eford for several years, allowed an FA Cup bye to play the world club championship in warm sunshine in January, Keane not being sent off in every game, same for Van Divallnight etc etc etc

[Cripps]

EXCLUSIVE: Read my @islingtongztte piece on Arsene Wenger 'pulling the rug from under Ivan Gazidis' after announcing his departure on Friday after club wanted him out in the summer https://t.co/gMLJkHB42l https://t.co/noDHCxOwOS

[GP]

Given all Souness achieved as a manager he's well placed to say that.:rolleyes:

Two words:

Ali Dia

[Xhaka Can’t]

To win the league back when Wenger did, it was not just necessary to be better than United, we had to be significantly better than them.

[Marc Overmars]

Souness isn't holding back on Wenger :lol:

@MattLaw:
Tarnished legacy.
Not a patch on Fergie.
Aloof.
Lucky to have lasted so long.

Souey puts in one of his tackles on Arsene Wenger in this column. He certainly isn't joining the queue of tribute-givers and well-wishers.

https://t.co/5zioYBRdgl

His legacy goes beyond trophies. The stadium, the transformation of the club, the philosophy etc.

I do understand why he may not receive universal tribute though, he was here for 22 years, not 10, so you can't just look at the first decade and ignore the second. He most certainly was lucky to work under such hands off board, there's no doubt he would have been sacked 5 times over at any top club in the world. He was in a very unique position, no other manager will enjoy such freedom and a lack of accountability again and for some I understand why that leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth. The fact he wanted to stay next year tells you he was putting himself first and no amount of underachievement would ever have made him think enough is enough.

But he will leave a hero and rightly so, the timing is perfect and he deserves a great send off.

[Globalgunner]

Wenger says fan causing disunity are to blame for the disunity that led to his removal and those fans have ruined Arsenals image........Hes got a point. NQ has been causing disunity on this forum since...Oh 2016 i think.

Clearly the man is quite barmy....No not NQ, Wenger.


A few rumours that Wenger might rock up at Evertons. Poor Toffees!. First thing Arsene will insist on is a no referendum clause. That will certainly cause disunity and at least 5 years to get Everton challenging for top 6.

[Power n Glory]

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/43859032

The press are running with this story about Wenger leaving because of the fans. I knew this was on the cards. I wish I could dig up the post I wrote some years back when speaking this with NQ on here. As predicted, the fans voting with their feet has forced the Boards hand and now the blame is being placed on us. The press are running with this story following Wenger's comments. Classy exit.

Wenger and the Board need to clear this up and take some responsibility. Leave with some dignity. Continuing to chip away at the fanbase will only harm his legacy even further.

[Goonermerree]

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/43859032

The press are running with this story about Wenger leaving because of the fans. I knew this was on the cards. I wish I could dig up the post I wrote some years back when speaking this with NQ on here. As predicted, the fans voting with their feet has forced the Boards hand and now the blame is being placed on us. The press are running with this story following Wenger's comments. Classy exit.

Wenger and the Board need to clear this up and take some responsibility. Leave with some dignity. Continuing to chip away at the fanbase will only harm his legacy even further.

Just when we were all prepared to give him a good send off, he ruins it.

[Marc Overmars]

The trouble is he genuinely thought he was doing a top job, he could never grasp why fans were so upset and disillusioned.

He felt he was untouchable and ultimately it was this attitude that led to his downfall.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

tbf to him he does say things like this,

""I'm not resentful with the fans, I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me.

"That is what I want to say, it is nothing to do with the fans. The fans were not happy - I can understand that. That is my job and I have to live with that, I can accept that."



Though the problem is that it comes of as completely passive aggressive. Mind you, given his knack of answering every question asked he was always going to have to make a comment on whether or not the fans were behind his departure and not avoiding the question would have been telling in itself.

[Gooner23]

I'm not getting too worked up about his latest comments, very similar to previous ones. He is obviously a bit resentful that the decision to stay on has been taken away from him. Hopefully once the dust has settled he will realise that he hasn't been that hard done by at all.

The main thing is that he's leaving and we can look forward now as a club. The prospect of Laca and Auba up front for us next season is really exciting!

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

So do we think fans discontentment has actually moved Kroenke towards this....

[Marc Overmars]

So do we think fans discontentment has actually moved Kroenke towards this....

I think so. The empty seats would have hurt.

We always said they wouldn't care as long as they got their money but the reputation of the club is everything.

The fact he sent his son to conduct a review suggests he felt something wasn't right and wanted a second opinion.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Yeah I'm hoping he'll calm down with passing time and realise it was for the best. He's probably still bitter about it right now.

For his sake I just hope he discovers a hobby to take his mind of football. One of the reasons why he clung on so long is his unhealthy obsession with football because he has zero other interests - doesn't golf or play other sports, gardening, adventuring etc etc.

Oh yeah, seeing as he's single now finding a new partner would help. Just needs to ensure he stays away from the gold diggers because with his money they'll be swarming all over him. Let his new waifu take his mind of football.






The main thing is that he's leaving and we can look forward now as a club. The prospect of Laca and Auba up front for us next season is really exciting!

Goals win you leagues and with those two we have two people that can easily get 30 goals a piece. If the new manager can sort out the CM & defence and work to their strengths then honestly, we should at the very least ensure we get top four next year.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

So do we think fans discontentment has actually moved Kroenke towards this....

Yes.

But it's the empty seats, general apathy as well as possibly two seasons out of CL football rather than a few loudmouth morons on AFTV or twitter.

[Power n Glory]

tbf to him he does say things like this,

""I'm not resentful with the fans, I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me.

"That is what I want to say, it is nothing to do with the fans. The fans were not happy - I can understand that. That is my job and I have to live with that, I can accept that."



Though the problem is that it comes of as completely passive aggressive. Mind you, given his knack of answering every question asked he was always going to have to make a comment on whether or not the fans were behind his departure and not avoiding the question would have been telling in itself.

Personality?

The media are whipping this up a little, but Wenger doesn’t help himself. Before he goes, he has to clear this up. Him saying his personality was in the way suggest fans had a personal issue with him and not the performances. It’s quite simple. The results weren’t good enough. If he had said the club as a whole weren’t happy with the results and felt it was time for a change, that would have side stepped all the bullshit. He knows how to duck these sort of questions and this really doesn’t help change the image of the fans or help bring unity. It strengthens the division and he knows that what he says will create headlines which is why he should have been more careful with what he says. If people can argue that Wenger has been shielding the Board (Ollie Holt) from criticism and taking all the bullets, why can’t he do the same with the fans at this moment?

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger makes me sick tbf. He's been blaming everyone bar himself for years, so no surprise there. But this new martyr complex he's developing, that's hard to take. People keep saying he's leaving. Well yes, that's true. But he's not leaving willingly, he was forced out. This is fairly obvious. So him spinning it that he's leaving because the club is bigger than himself - well fuck off mate, because you didn't think that last season when you circumvented the board that wanted shot of you then.

I really wish the board had had the balls to sack him on the spot. We'd be in much better shape going into two important EL ties if we didn't have to carry Wenger too.

[Marc Overmars]

Fans are always emotional about something, that goes with the territory. One thing they should never be though is apathetic, that usually suggests there is a serious and deep rooted problem within the club and the board eventually came to realise this.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

btw not to be a cunt and triple post but for all those interested there's a Tuesday Club Podcast just released to discuss the departure.

[Niall_Quinn]

Fans are always emotional about something, that goes with the territory. One thing they should never be though is apathetic, that usually suggests there is a serious and deep rooted problem within the club and the board eventually came to realise this.

Kroenke, Gazidis and the rest have been traditionally viewed as the non-football guys who were under Wenger's spell (or bullshit), and that might be true. But they can all read a set of financial figures I'm sure. And I can imagine what empty seats means to a guy like Stan Kroenke. He might not be a football guy but he still has eyes. If football wants to be this big billion quid consumer industry rather than what it used to be then those are the new rules. Wenger sounds like he wants to ignore this new reality and instead base his excuses on the old game that has died away, the "loyalty" of the fans. Yet he was behind every ticket price increase. He was the guy who wanted 60K seats rather than 38K. He's the guy who paid kids way more than they were worth. And he's the guy who banked a hundred million quid in the process. So that makes him the man who has embraced the modern game wholeheartedly. Where was his "loyalty" as he was turning Arsenal into the highest priced consumer show in town?

Wenger lived by the rules he created, now - as we languish in 6th place and the stadium empties out - he's dying by those same rules. No point blaming the fans for what he's done himself.

Pep said it well. Wenger was instrumental in making the PL what it is today. To my mind, that's nothing to be proud of.

[Flavs]

Be interesting to see if Ozil knew as he said he only signed his new contract due to his brilliant relationship with Wenger (Not the reported £350k a week incidentally)

[Flavs]

Also, David Moyes contract is up in the summer....#justsaying

[Cripps]

Wenger comes across as quite bitter, I think he's still in disbelief he's actually been given the boot. Especially spearheaded by someone that he interviewed. He genuinely thought he was in a comfy zone where Stan would accept his excuses. It reminds me of a bitter ex that can't get over the fact they've been dumped.

I do agree though the press have blown this way out of proportion. It's headline news :lol: I would get worked up about it but what's the point, he's leaving :patrice:

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger comes across as quite bitter, I think he's still in disbelief he's actually been given the boot. Especially spearheaded by someone that he interviewed. He genuinely thought he was in a comfy zone where Stan would accept his excuses. It reminds me of a bitter ex that can't get over the fact they've been dumped.

I do agree though the press have blown this way out of proportion. It's headline news :lol: I would get worked up about it but what's the point, he's leaving :patrice:

I doubt he was comfortable after last year's goings on. He ran to Kroenke but it's doubtful Stan just said, sure Arsene, have the job for life. There will have been conditions, expectations. Wenger has failed to meet even a minimum standard this year and whatever excuses he makes he's an intelligent guy. He knows the score. A big club like Arsenal, fighting with Burnley for 6th? Over 30 points off the pace? He probably thought he'd have a chance to see out his contract, but he must have known his performance this season was unacceptable.

[Power n Glory]

Wenger makes me sick tbf. He's been blaming everyone bar himself for years, so no surprise there. But this new martyr complex he's developing, that's hard to take. People keep saying he's leaving. Well yes, that's true. But he's not leaving willingly, he was forced out. This is fairly obvious. So him spinning it that he's leaving because the club is bigger than himself - well fuck off mate, because you didn't think that last season when you circumvented the board that wanted shot of you then.

I really wish the board had had the balls to sack him on the spot. We'd be in much better shape going into two important EL ties if we didn't have to carry Wenger too.

Good point.

[selassie]

Personality?

The media are whipping this up a little, but Wenger doesn’t help himself. Before he goes, he has to clear this up. Him saying his personality was in the way suggest fans had a personal issue with him and not the performances. It’s quite simple. The results weren’t good enough. If he had said the club as a whole weren’t happy with the results and felt it was time for a change, that would have side stepped all the bullshit. He knows how to duck these sort of questions and this really doesn’t help change the image of the fans or help bring unity. It strengthens the division and he knows that what he says will create headlines which is why he should have been more careful with what he says. If people can argue that Wenger has been shielding the Board (Ollie Holt) from criticism and taking all the bullets, why can’t he do the same with the fans at this moment?

:gp:

[Özim]

Wenger makes me sick tbf. He's been blaming everyone bar himself for years, so no surprise there. But this new martyr complex he's developing, that's hard to take. People keep saying he's leaving. Well yes, that's true. But he's not leaving willingly, he was forced out. This is fairly obvious. So him spinning it that he's leaving because the club is bigger than himself - well fuck off mate, because you didn't think that last season when you circumvented the board that wanted shot of you then.

I really wish the board had had the balls to sack him on the spot. We'd be in much better shape going into two important EL ties if we didn't have to carry Wenger too.

Yeah I agree, this was a thinly veiled criticism of the fans (not the first time he's done it), the fact is the guy wasn't performing well enough, that's not the fans fault, that his and his alone, he made some very poor decisions and never learnt from his mistakes, he was always on a one man crusade to prove the world and his dog wrong.

There was no need to say any of this, had he kept quiet and just thanked the fans and club he would have got a great send-off, this despite over a decade of relative failure, but no he has to stick his oar in and have a dig, you know what the guy has go away with underperforming for far too long, he's lived on past successes for years and go more support than any other major could have dreamed of having, from everyone including the fans.

Even after car crash seasons he still maintained much support from fans and it's only really a bit last season and this season that's dropped off, no other manager would have been given this amount of time and patience, yet still he's not happy.

I'd have happily put that aside and been happy to see him getting a good send off after his years with us if he'd just for once just accepted the situation with some grace.

I've not hidden my feelings in the past, I don't rate the guy, but the thing that bothered me most was his holier than thou attitude, thinking he was better than everyone else when the results said otherwise, he had a very good spell at the start but since 2005-2006 it's been downhill, on that basis his career with us it's nothing spectacular, he's been hailed as the greatest manager, well for me that's debatable because to go so long with such mediocre success doesn't really fit into the "great manager" mould for me, great manager don't spend 14 years chasing 4th place and being given a pasting but other top clubs in the CL with no answer.

Great news that he's going as we can now move on from this nightmare he's created in the last decade+.

[Letters]

Yeah I agree.
:lol:

[Özim]

:lol:

What's so funny? :unsure:

[KSE Comedy Club]

You on them drugs again Letters?

[Flavs]

If you apply logic to it then the board will want someone who can make shit loads of money, is full of themself, lie constantly to themselves and the fans, come across as arrogant and smarmy and be a "true fan" of the club

Piers Morgan it is then

[Flavs]

in fact i am off to make a hashtag of it just to show my support

#piersmorganin

[KSE Comedy Club]

ahh, poor Piers :hug:

Listen Flavs, don't come back here and start 'posting'






:lol:

[Flavs]

too late I already tweeted him asking him to apply for it

#Piersmorganin

[Flavs]

Listen Flavs, don't come back here and start 'posting'



you know you missed me

[fakeyank]

His comments blaming the fans doesnt surprise me. I have no time or sympathy left for him.

GTFO! :fingers:

[KSE Comedy Club]

you know you missed me

It's nice actually, the old twat is leaving and old posters are returning :good:

We are witnessing the rejuvenation of Goonersweb :)

[Xhaka Can’t]

My sympathy for Wenger is wearing pretty thin now. Yeah, I accept he personally feels bad at how he is being forced out. However this happens every day to people who repeatedly fail to achieve their objectives.

Unlike others, Wenger has to deal with this whilst in the public eye. That can’t be good.

However most other people haven’t pocketed tens of millions whilst consistently serving up a deteriorating product.

If I lost my job, and I expect the same is for many others, I wouldn’t expect to draw another years salary and it sure as fuck wouldn’t be £10m either.

I don’t begrudge him his opinion of us and our impact upon him losing his job. Because by staying away we forced the Board to act and gave them the power to do it. But he needs to evaluate better and more objectively what it was that caused us as fans to do this in the first place.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I can't say I have any sympathy for him what so ever.

He is responsible for his own demise. This is the result of one man's power, one man's empire, crashing down on them and looking for a scapegoat to deflect any last possible negative responsibility.

He doesn't really have a right to an opinion on us fans as we have previously supported him through thick and thin whilst putting him on that pedestal he loves so much.
In return he has lied and mocked us at every opportunity when things haven't gone his way whilst fleecing us for every penny.

He could and should have just not said a word, and the one thing you don't do is insult the fan base.

[Özim]

No I've got no sympathy either, he's done well out of this club, very well and to be honest he should have gone years ago, to get a 10 million pay off is pretty good. He's had a lot of support over the years, I actually think Arsenal fans have been very patient with him, most other fans would have wanted him out years ago given his performance, he's been very lucky indeed over the years, if he goes to another club and performs like he has for us in the last decade he'll be out on his ear in no time with fans letting him know in no uncertain terms what they think of him.

If his new club are in the CL and we met them in the last 16, we could fully expect not only to get through, but also win with a very handsome scoreline, the CL and Wenger just don't mix.

[Dein-machine]

I have zero sympathy for him. When we lost 8-2 to United following a whole summer transfer window - he should have realised he's footballing theories were outdated & had been overtaken. He had to panic buy a the end of August that year which is disgusting for a club at our level. He's been caught short every year since in the same way with a lack of buying the obvious quality we needed in certain areas to compete at the top. If he truly loved the club, he would have allowed Pep to take over when it was clear he wanted to come to the P.L. & fancied a move to London. He's arrogance & total incompetence in seeing the obvious has meant the club stagnating & then being reduced to battling Burnley for 6th place ( whilst being convincingly overtaken by the likes of Spurs & Liverpool ) . Even with such a thick skin, he would seen from the fans reaction last season & the ongoing "Wenger Out" campaign that at least the fans had exposed him as a fraud. This year, in his own mind, was all about beating Sir Alex's record for Premiership games - as if to have the last word on an old rival. Why on earth should we feel sorry or show respect for someone who has had a hundred million quid out of the club in the last decade & shown absolutely no ambition or ability to compete at the top level - a level we were promised we would be at when we were asked to pay the highest ticket prices in world football by moving from Highbury.
I will remember the early success, especially the invincibles year & the quality of football we played but I've come to feel that this was more luck than judgement with the kind of players we had rather than Wengers genious. He didnt teach Henry pace & finishing, he didnt teach Dennis skill or give him a footballing brain - he just put together a good bunch of players that did what came naturally on the pitch. When it came to actually needing to be tactically aware as the rest of the P.L. improved - he came up short - time after time. I will remember the players of that era rather than him & its a shame. Had he called it a day when he should have done - I would have have the same respect for him.

[Cripps]

Why do you all care? :patrice:

[Cripps]

It's nice actually, the old twat is leaving and old posters are returning :good:

We are witnessing the rejuvenation of Goonersweb :)

Harsh on HCZ.

[LDG]

My sympathy for Wenger is wearing pretty thin now. Yeah, I accept he personally feels bad at how he is being forced out. However this happens every day to people who repeatedly fail to achieve their objectives.

Unlike others, Wenger has to deal with this whilst in the public eye. That can’t be good.

However most other people haven’t pocketed tens of millions whilst consistently serving up a deteriorating product.

If I lost my job, and I expect the same is for many others, I wouldn’t expect to draw another years salary and it sure as fuck wouldn’t be £10m either.

I don’t begrudge him his opinion of us and our impact upon him losing his job. Because by staying away we forced the Board to act and gave them the power to do it. But he needs to evaluate better and more objectively what it was that caused us as fans to do this in the first place.

Agreed.

I will always remember fondly what he did for us, and I certainly don’t “hate” him. But he is human, and certain elements of his personality don’t lend well to admission of being wrong. It’s all good to say “yes I get it wrong occasionally, but....”. What he fails to do is hold his hands up and admit he’s past it. He’s kidding himself, and in the process being selfish enough to rope every fan on the planet into his own personal agenda.

A true Arsenal great. But he is not bigger than the club. Time to go, and goes with nearly everyones thanks for the good times, and a fuck load of money.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

btw not to be a cunt and triple post but for all those interested there's a Tuesday Club Podcast just released to discuss the departure.

I knew they'd do one. Davies reminded me of HCZ's weird Nacho dislike. Maybe HCZ is actually Alan Davies.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Harsh on HCZ.

Why, Where has he gone?

[Arsenal Fan]

Finally!